The automatic choke is introduced on large Evinrude engines. The choke has a vacuum control that holds it in the open position while the engine is running, but allows the choke to close each time the engine is stopped. This allows instant starting whether the engine is hot or cold. Hu Entrops sets a new world record for unlimited class outboards by hydroplaning 114.65 mph with the Evinrude Starflite II model engine on the Evinrude Starflite III boat. In September, the Evinrude Starflite II model engine breaks its own record by hitting a speed of 122.97 mph.

1962

Evinrude pioneered an industry first with its introduction of push-button shifting on the 1962 Starflite 75 and Lark engines. The forward, reverse and neutral buttons made gear shifting smoother and easier, representing a significant improvement in outboard ease-of-use.

1967

The Evinrude X-115 debuts. It is the largest rated horsepower engine ever produced. Its streamlined design features only 60 percent of the frontal area of typical motors in its horsepower range.

1973

The Evinrude brand once again breaks new ground by unveiling the world’s first rotary-combustion, four-rotor design outboard and a V-6 cylinder outboard as experimental racing engines.

The James Bond film Live and Let Die features an Evinrude 135-horsepower Starflite-powered runabout. The Evinrudepowered Glastron boat sets a Guinness World Record when Agent 007 jumps 100 feet over Sheriff J. W. Pepper’s police vehicle during an exciting boat chase sequence in.

1976

The Evinrude brand is the first to develop a 200-horsepower cross-flow V-6 outboard. The motor weighs only half as much per horsepower and delivers almost twice as much thrust per cubic inch as the first V-4 version of the motor introduced 18 years earlier.

1978

The Evinrude brand produces the largest outboard ever made, a 235-horsepower, 90-degree V-6, to meet the demands of the big water boater.

1980

In reaction to fuel shortages, a line of economical commercial engines debuts called Evinrude Worktwins. The 25-, 40- and 55-horsepower units are sold in foreign countries and are tough, hardworking machines that can be sold at a lower price point for cost-conscious consumers.

1982

The Economixer is introduced in Evinrude outboards. This innovation represents the first use of microcomputer technology in an outboard to vary the amount of oil being fed to the engine.

1983

After nearly 50 years at the helm, Ralph Evinrude steps down as chairman of the OMC Board of Directors. Charles Strang is elected chairman while retaining his position as CEO.

1984

The Evinrude loop-charged V-4s, the Cobra stern drives and the world’s first 300-horsepower V-8 outboard engines are introduced.

May 21, 1986

Ralph Evinrude dies in Stuart, Florida, following an extended illness. But his visionary leadership remains evident even after his death, as OMC breaks the billion-dollar mark and sets a new earnings record with $1.2 billion in sales.

November 30, 1989

The Evinrude 3.5 Liter V8 set a world record for the fastest speed for an outboard motorboat, at 176.556 mph. This broke Evinrude's previous speed record of 155.43.

1991

The exclusive lost foam process is created enabling the design of a powerhead that is smaller, lighter, stronger and quieter than other V-6 engines of the same horsepower. As a result, the Evinrude Spitfire hits the water.

Evinrude Ficht direct fuel injection technology is introduced. This innovation marks the launch of direct injection technology to outboard engines, years ahead of the automotive industry.

November 21, 2000

Strained to comply with increased U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for new engines, as well as contending with decreased sales, OMC announces to employees that it has ceased operations. The company files for bankruptcy.

2001

Seeing an amazing opportunity to acquire a great global brand, Bombardier moves quickly and decisively to acquire the Evinrude assets. Evinrude is reborn into an internationally recognized company, continuing the legacy of quality and innovation. September 27, 2001 The first Bombardier-built Evinrude outboard engines roll off the assembly line.

Bombardier launches its Evinrude E-TEC technology at the Miami International Boat Show. Models introduced include the in-line two-cylinder 40-, 50-, and 60-horsepower and in-line three-cylinder 75- and 90-horsepower motors.

Bombardier Inc. spins off its recreational products division to create a stand-alone company – Bombardier Recreational Products. The company, later known as BRP, becomes a world leader in innovative, high quality powersports products with leading brands.

Won J.D. Power and Associates award for "Highest Customer Satisfaction among two-stroke Engines"

May 11, 2004

The Evinrude E-TEC big block V-6 is unveiled to media at the Ralph Evinrude Test Center in Stuart, Florida. The motor comes in 200 H.O., 225 H.O., 225- and 250-horsepower.

February 17, 2005

The Evinrude E-TEC 115-horsepower debuts at the 2005 Miami International Boat Show. It is the first Evinrude E-TEC engine on a four-cylinder platform.

April 2005

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awards BRP the prestigious Clean Air Excellence Award for its Evinrude E-TEC technology. This is the first time an outboard engine manufacturer receives the award, and it marks the start of the environmental leadership BRP will show with the Evinrude E-TEC line.

The Evinrude E-TEC line expansion continues with the 60-degree V-6 platform engines in 150 H.O., 150-, 175- and 200-horsepower.

June 2005

Hosted the first ever Club Evinrude event in Nashville. This event was the first BRP Club experience for our OEM partners and many Evinrude dealers, and highlighted the passion and excitement of Evinrude employees and our dealer network.